27 JULY 1895, Page 2

The religious orders in France have decided not to resist

the Government proposals in regard to taxation,—in which they are wise. They may have been unjustly treated, but except in matters of conscience, and no matter of conscience was here involved, it cannot but be the duty of religious bodies to obey the law of the land, whether wise or unwise, fair or unfair. They hold that conscience does not permit them, without a moral necessity which does not exist, to face the consequences of even passive resistance. " Cherishing the hope that these ordeals will be but temporary, and asking the Divine mercy to shorten them, they think themselves bound to resign themselves to undergo the lesser evil by conforming to the law."